Lecture | European Union Seminar
The role of EU in Dutch politics
- Mendeltje van Keulen (Haagse Hogeschool)
- Date
- Friday 10 October 2025
- Time
- Serie
- European Union Seminar Series
- Address
-
Schouwburgstraat
Schouwburgstraat 2
2511 VA The Hague - Room
- A0.06
Please note: Visitors without an LU-Card cannot enter the building. Please email Dr. Vera Scepanovic (v.scepanovic@hum.leidenuniv.nl) at least 48 hours in advance so you can be put on a guest list.
The Netherlands is a founding member of the EU and has shaped decisively the politics and institutions of the Union as we know them. Why then is the EU dimension rarely present in national politics, and even then mostly as a caricature?
In this seminar, dr. Mendeltje van Keulen draws on her research and former professional experience as EU advisor to the Dutch parliament, to explore how EU issues have proven difficult to integrate in national political debates, highlighting obstacles such as the asymmetry in political agendas and the lack of accountability of national politicians in the EU Council. She also offers some reflections on how to better integrate the reality of EU-level policymaking—27 member states negotiating solutions to shared problems - into the work of ministries, local Councils and national media.
About the speaker
Dr. Mendeltje van Keulen is a professor of practice (lector) at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. She leads the research group ‘European Impact’, where students, lecturers and researchers develop knowledge, skills and tools necessary for a new generation of European professionals. She is also a member of the European Integration Committee of the Advisory Council on International Affairs (AIV). Dr. van Keulen has extensive experience as policy researcher and advisor, having previously worked for the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the House of Representatives, and the Clingendael Institute for International Relations.
